Deal opens competition for AEP Ohio customers

Nov. 29, 2011, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

A pending settlement could change the way AEP Ohio does business.

The subsidiary of Columbus-based American Electric Power is preparing for more competition in the marketplace, so it is planning on billing separately for wiring and distribution, a change from past practices.

The settlement could mean an increase of $2 to $3 per month for the average household using AEP Ohio services over the next three years. It is up to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to approve the settlement.

Election 2011: Endure campaigns. Cast your ballot. Repeat.

Nov. 11, 2011, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Elections are a constant cycle. As one ends on Tuesday, campaigning for the next has long since started, and 2012 will be a big year.

To complete the 2011 cycle, Ohioans head to the polls this week to vote on three statewide issues. They also will decide on local candidates and issues specific to where they live.

The new voting rules passed by the Legislature earlier this year will not take effect because signatures were filed for a referendum campaign to repeal them.

Union support kills Issue 2

Nov. 9, 2011, Coshocton Tribune

CentralOhio.com

If voters weren’t in a union themselves, many of them were close to someone who is.

Strong union support at the polls was one of the reasons Issue 2 was defeated 1,330,013 to 2,115,404 Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

The ballot issue sought to seriously curtail collective bargaining rights of public employees, including teachers, police officers and firefighters.

It was an emotional issue for many voting no, and either a fairness or a budgetary issue for many voting yes.

CentralOhio.com reporters fanned out around 11 counties Tuesday as voters left the polls, collecting thoughts and opinions from 138 voters.